Treating Injuries: Restoring Consciousness After a Knock Out

Effective Herbs used to Restore Consciousness After a Knock-out

“The knockout” (temporary loss of consciousness) is probably one of the most serious injuries that can occur during martial arts training. Normally, such injuries are a result of a blow to the head, or the uncontrolled application of a strangulation technique.

One of the most common methods used to revive someone who has been knocked-out is to administer aromatic spirit of ammonia, more commonly known as “smelling salts.” This technique which is really quite simple involves holding the smelling salts close to the nose of the unconscious person who then breathes in inhaling the fumes. Revival usually will occur within a matter of seconds.

Although the ammonia carbonate/alcohol solution (smelling salts) is usually quick and effective, occasionally it can cause an allergic reaction. Therefore, it should be used cautiously, especially if the patient suffers from a respiratory condition such as: asthma, bronchitis or emphysema.

For those of you who are less than enthusiastic about inhaling chemical fumes or are concerned about the possibility of an allergic reaction, there are herbal options. Two well-known formulas mentioned in literature on herbs used in Hit Medicine by ancient martial artists to arouse the spirit and restore the pulse are: Er Wei Fu Sheng San, which is also known as Two Flavors Recover Life Powder and Shaolin Zhen Yu San a.k.a. Precious Jade Powder.

Traditionally, the two formulas were used together. The first formula Two Flavors Recover Life Powder, is blown into the subject’s nostril to revive the patient, while the second formula Precious Jade Powder, is mixed with rice wine or warm water and drunk to restore mental clarity and eliminate the confusion and loss of memory that is fairly common after a loss of consciousness.